Big Trees, Big Water: Five Big Hikes in Big Ivy

Earlier this year, outdoor enthusiasts like you rallied to help protect Big Ivy, a section of Pisgah National Forest that’s home to some of the most rare species and old-growth forest in the East. Now, you can explore the ancient forests and cascading creeks of Big Ivy that you have helped defend.

Big Ivy has more than 3,000 acres of old growth forests and more than 30 rare and endangered species. Its abundant creeks are home to native brook trout, and its celebrated waterfalls are some of the most scenic and dramatic cascades in the South.

Hikes include:Douglas Falls (3 miles, little elevation change): Join Scott Dean in a carpool through the Coleman Boundary and on a short hike out to the beautiful Douglas Falls.

Big Butt Trail (3.2 miles, 400′ elevation change): Join Lloyd Raleigh on a hike to explore the higher elevations up Stony Fork Road and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Take the Big Butt trail in and out for a 3.2 mile round-trip to Point Misery.

Ivy Knob (4-5 miles, 500′ elevation change): Join Edward Schwartzman on a hike up to Ivy Knob via the Forest Service Road and a backcountry trail to Big Ivy.